Onslow County

118 Old Bridge Street
Jacksonville, NC 28540
910.347.4717
www.co.onslow.nc.us

Onslow County has a variety of communities from the beach to the base, with terrific amenities from surfing to shopping for tourists and relocators alike. The county has all the comforts of the city in Jacksonville with a mix of incredible farmlands and beautiful beaches to boot.

Holly Ridge
Chartered in 1941, the town of Holly Ridge is a small, thriving predominately residential community. With a population of approximately 925 it’s an amazing thought that about 60 years ago, there were more than 110,000 people living and working in the area known as Camp Davis, an artillery-training base of the US Army during World War II. Today, Holly ridge is a smaller yet thriving town which includes restaurants, shopping, golfing and more. The community is home to a number of popular local festivals.

Contact the Town of Holly Ridge, 212 N Dyson Street, Holly Ridge, NC 28445, 910.329.7081. Details, Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce, 800.626.2780, www.topsailcoc.com, www.onslowcountytourism.com.

Jacksonville         
Jacksonville is the commercial hub of Onslow County and home to both Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station New River. Some 68,357 people make the city their home. Jacksonville provides all the stores and conveniences associated with larger cities, but still retains a small-town feel. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune is home to an active duty, dependent, retiree and civilian employee population of nearly 150,000 people. Marine Corps Air Station New River provides a full array of aviation facilities supporting the Fleet Marine Force and other Department of Defense members. Both bases are vital to Jacksonville’s continued and impressive growth. In return Jacksonville embraces its proud military background, saluting those who serve and their families.

Contact the City of Jacksonville, PO Box 128, Jacksonville, NC 28541, 910.938.5200, www.ci.jacksonville.nc.us. Details, Jacksonville/Onslow Chamber of Commerce, 910.347.3141, www.jacksonvilleonline.org, www.onslowcountytourism.com

North Topsail Beach
North Topsail Beach, population approximately 843, distinguishes itself from the rest of Topsail Island with its locally famous Stump Sound oysters and renowned inlet surf fishing. North Topsail Beach enjoys a certain exclusivity and is home to picturesque marshes and dense maritime forests on the sound side and beautiful dunes and beaches on the ocean side. These wonderful natural attractions provide a myriad of activity, including kayaking, beachcombing, boating a more. A wide range of accommodations share the area including luxury resorts and incredible beach homes.

Contact the Town of North Topsail Beach, 2008 Loggerhead Court, North Topsail Beach, NC 28460, 910.328.1349, www.north-topsail-beach.org. Details, Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce, 800.626.2780, www.topsailcoc.com, www.onslowcountytourism.com.

Richlands
Richlands township emerged as an agricultural center and became the site of the first graded school, the first public high school and the first library in the county. Today, Richlands is home to the Onslow County Museum which features changing exhibits reflecting the history of the area. The township also boasts a beautiful historic district. Richlands is also home to the Albert J. Ellis Airport which offers daily flight service from US Air Express and Delta serving Onslow and neighboring counties. Contact the Richlands Chamber of Commerce, 910.324.5809. Details, Onslow County Tourism, 800.982.2144, www.onslowcountytourism.com.

Sneads Ferry
The traditional fishing village of Sneads Ferry is located on the New River near the northern tip of Topsail Island off NC Hwy. 172. The river joins the Intracoastal Waterway at Sneads Ferry and access to the Atlantic Ocean is easy. A very active commercial fishing community, Sneads Ferry takes in more fish than any other Onslow County port. Life hummed along quietly until World War II when Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune was established just north of Sneads Ferry. Ever since, active duty Marines and their families have many times selected Sneads Ferry in which to live or to retire. Seafood lovers never miss the Sneads Ferry Shrimp Festival each August. Charter boats and headboat fishing is available from Sneads Ferry as well as horseback riding, shopping and great seafood restaurants. Sneads Ferry’s easy-going atmosphere makes it a wonderful place to live.

Contact Onslow County, 118 Old Bridge Street, Jacksonville, NC 28540, 910.347.4717, www.co.onslow.nc.us, www.sneadsferrynorthcarolina.com. Details, Onslow County Tourism, www.onslowcountytourism.com, 800.982.2144.

Swansboro         
Swansboro, population approximately 1,426, is located along the majestic White Oak River, a historic town with real waterfront charm. Specialty shops and terrific restaurants on the downtown waterfront are delightful. Go antiquing, charter fishing or dine at one of the town’s restaurants with the perfect view. Explore the local art scene. Historic Swansboro also offers 25 miles of bicycle trails and plenty of places to put in a boat or kayak. Hammocks Beach State Park is another natural attraction. It’s waterfront living with small-town appeal at its best.

Contact the Town of Swansboro, Church Street, Swansboro, NC 28584, 910.326.4428. Details, Swansboro Chamber of Commerce, 910.326.1174, www.swansboroncchamber.com.


Education

Public Schools, K-12
Onslow County Public School System
200 Broadhurst Road
Jacksonville, NC 28540
910.455.2211
www.onslow.k12.nc.us

The Onslow County School District is situated on the coast of eastern North Carolina. The district has 35 schools: 18 elementary schools, one early childhood development school, eight middle schools, seven high schools and one alternative school. The Onslow County School System serves approximately 21,500 students.

Higher Education
Coastal Carolina Community College
444 Western Blvd., Jacksonville, NC 28546
910.938.6792
www.coastalcarolina.edu

Coastal Carolina Community College is one of 59 institutions in the North Carolina Community College System. Coastal Carolina Community College provides services and integrated training solutions to ensure Onslow County’s industries are among the most competitive in the global marketplace. The College’s training professionals work with manufacturers, assembly companies, technology intensive customer care centers, and small businesses to improve their business performance by aligning people strategies with business strategies. The curriculum programs are designed to provide college transfer, technical, and vocational education. The continuing education offerings are designed to provide occupational skill training, basic skills and community service education. 

You'll find more details regarding Onslow County utility information, post office information, statistics, workforce information, etc., in the print edition of the NCRELO Guide.